Hate Speech: Akbaruddin Owaisi to Undergo Medical Test by Govt Doctors

Bangalore: Andhra Pradesh MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, facing multiple cases for alleged hate speech, will be subjected to medical examination by government doctors as he failed to appear before the police for questioning citing ill health.

The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) legislator, booked at three police stations in Andhra Pradesh, arrived in Hyderabad from London and filed an application before Nirmal police in Adilabad district through his counsel, seeking four days' time to appear before them on health grounds.

Owaisi looked fit to face questioning, IG (Warangal Range) AB Vekateshwar Rao told reporters on Monday night, quoting investigating officer of Nirmal (Rural) police station A Raghu who visited Owaisi's residence in Hyderabad.

However, Owaisi complained of "internal pain" and hence the IO will subject him to medical examination by government doctors, he said.

Depending on the availability of doctors and the situation, the examination will be conducted at a hospital or any other place, including his residence, Rao said.

After the MLA sought time to appear before the police citing health grounds, the IO visited the lawmaker's residence in Banjara Hills area here this evening to enquire about his medical condition, the IG said.

The investigating officer decided to visit Owaisi's home after his counsel submitted a letter to Adilabad police saying he was not in good health, Rao said.

A large number of supporters of Owaisi, who is also MIM's floor leader in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, gathered outside his residence when the police team arrived there.

Asked whether police were going slow in questioning the 42-year-old MLA and if he will be arrested if medical report confirms that he is fit enough, Rao said "we are moving ahead as per law and every decision will be taken accordingly."

Besides Adilabad district, FIRs have been filed against Owaisi in Nizamabad and Hyderabad. Nizamabad police have asked him to appear before them and Hyderabad police on January 10.